Iran

The American Petroleum Institute (API) has launched a new advertising campaign in its ongoing push to oust the U.S. oil exports ban in place since 1975. One of the most recent ads, titled “Crude Oil Exports and National Security” on YouTube, starts off with ominous music and asks, “Who loves the ban on U.S.crude oil exports?” The answer, says API, is “Iran and Russia, not exactly our best friends.” Not mentioned: both countries currently maintain business ties with API's dues-paying members.

A deal which will prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons was finalized today. Announced by President Obama today it is the culmination of intense diplomatic efforts which succeeded where a military intervention would not have. Economic sanctions enforced by a large coalition of western nations brought Iran to the table and hard negotiating by Secretaries of State Clinton and Kerry brought an agreement.

VP Joe Biden has spoken out forcefully against the 47 Republicans who took it upon themselves, with no constitutional authority, to meddle and attempt to undermine the ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran.

Reporter: Now that you’ve had a chance to read the Prime Minister’s remarks at least, do you feel like the speech he gave was appropriate, considering his upcoming elections and the upcoming deadline? And you also talked to other foreign leaders today -- the call on Ukraine. Did Iran come up at all, and are you expecting any signs of support from them vis-à-vis your position versus the Prime Minister?

Reports have surfaced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked to speak to Congress in March. While this normally wouldn’t seem out of the ordinary by normal political means, it strikes ire with the White House as Netanyahu coordinated this visit with House Speaker John Boehner rather than the Obama administration in an effort to win support for sanctions against Iran.

Iran's foreign minister said Friday it is unlikely to reach a final nuclear accord with world powers by a November deadline. Parliament's news website quoted Mohammad Javad Zarif as saying that even if a general agreement is reached before the deadline, the two sides will require more time to discuss details. "Hence, it is unlikely to reach a final conclusion before a four-month span," he said.

The fate of a possible landmark nuclear deal with Iran sank further into limbo Tuesday, with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry noting "very real gaps" ahead of a July 20 target date for a deal meant to put firm curbs on Tehran's atomic program.